Green Public Procurement in Italian Municipalities: New Findings from the Osservatorio Appalti Verdi at Legambiente’s Ecoforum

25 June 2025

After unveiling the first part of its report at Forum Compraverde Buygreen last May, the Osservatorio Appalti Verdi, promoted by Legambiente and Fondazione Ecosistemi, returns with a new spotlight on how Italian municipalities are applying Green Public Procurement (GPP)—a key tool for driving ecological transition through public spending. The new findings will be presented on July 2 in Rome during the 12th edition of Ecoforum, Legambiente’s national conference on circular economy. This second chapter of the Observatory’s 8th Annual Report zooms in on local governments, comparing the performance of capital cities with that of smaller municipalities.

While the first part focused on regional procurement bodies, health authorities, protected areas and metropolitan cities—recording an average GPP compliance rate of 71%—this new release shifts the lens to Italy’s municipal network, the country’s administrative backbone and a decisive player in translating sustainability policies into action.

“Municipalities are on the front line when it comes to implementing Green Public Procurement,” says Silvano Falocco, Director of Fondazione Ecosistemi. “Their purchasing choices have the power to shape a sustainable public market and support a circular economy by complying with environmental criteria.”

On the morning of July 2, the Observatory will present the results of a civic monitoring initiative involving a broad sample of municipalities, which were surveyed on their sustainable procurement policies. The findings will highlight best practices, recurring challenges, and areas for improvement, helping to spread GPP culture at the local level.

This year marks a new milestone: for the first time, the Observatory will award “special mentions” to top-performing municipalities that have excelled in applying green procurement criteria. These acknowledgements aim to show that GPP is not just a technical or legal tool—it is a clear signal of administrative responsibility and environmental leadership.

The report aligns with the broader European sustainability framework set by the Green Deal, reinforcing the idea that public procurement is a strategic lever for enabling real ecological transition.  As part of the Ecoforum program, participants will also attend the 32nd edition of Comuni Ricicloni, the long-standing awards ceremony recognizing Italy’s most committed municipalities in waste reduction and recycling.

The July 2 event is more than a presentation—it’s a chance to build connections, exchange experiences, and empower local administrations to lead on circular economy, environmental protection, and social innovation.

Organized by LegambienteNuova Ecologia, and Kyoto Club, in partnership with Conai and CONOU, and under the patronage of MASE and the Lazio Region, Ecoforum remains the leading national conference on circular economy.

📍 Location: Hotel Quirinale, Rome
🔗 Register to attend HERE

News

A New Menu for European Schools: The SchoolFood4Change Triple Approach

A New Menu for European Schools: The SchoolFood4Change Triple Approach

One million children already reached. More than 3,000 schools across 12 European countries. A simple yet transformative recipe: sustainable procurement, skilled kitchens, and an educational approach that engages the whole school community. SchoolFood4Change is reshaping how food is sourced, cooked, and experienced in European schools, generating real impact on health, sustainability, and local supply chains. The new official video shows how the Triple Approach — sustainable procurement, empowered kitchens, and the Whole School Food Approach — is already building a healthier, more conscious generation closely connected to its local territories. It’s time for a new menu. It’s time for real change.

read more
Smile City brings to Rome the European workshop on sustainable urban design: co-creating the off-grid e-bike charging station of the future

Smile City brings to Rome the European workshop on sustainable urban design: co-creating the off-grid e-bike charging station of the future

On 3 December, Rome will host an event dedicated to urban innovation: the Urban Living Lab Workshop of the European project Smile City, which is testing new circular solutions for sustainable mobility. Researchers, designers, students and professionals will meet at the CNR to explore and contribute to the design of a fully off-grid e-bike charging station, powered by photovoltaic panels and second-life batteries, and built using recycled materials. It will be an open, collaborative and international day of work, turning ideas and technologies into concrete prototypes for the future.

read more
Can Art Restoration Be Sustainable? A New Environmental Protocol Says Yes

Can Art Restoration Be Sustainable? A New Environmental Protocol Says Yes

A new scientific study published in the journal Heritage introduces, for the first time, a method to measure the environmental impact of materials used in the restoration of canvas paintings. Using Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA), the research identifies which phases — such as varnish removal or the use of solvents and biocides — have the greatest impact in terms of emissions, toxicity and resource consumption. The protocol, developed with the contribution of Fondazione Ecosistemi, shows that restoration can become more sustainable without compromising quality: it only requires more informed choices in materials, techniques and waste management.

read more